Relay Backhaul Reference Signal Mapping for Missing OFDM Symbols

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication relay systems, efficient transmission of signals and reference signals is hindered when relays fail to receive the last Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of a subframe, leading to resource wastage and poor channel estimation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves mapping a Reference Signal (RS) to a subframe with two slots, where the RS is spread across consecutive resource elements overlapping with the last OFDM symbol. If the last OFDM symbol is not available, the RS is transmitted only in the first slot, and data is mapped to the second slot using orthogonal codes, optimizing resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the Reference Signal is spread across consecutive resource elements overlapping with the last OFDM symbol, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but resource overhead increases when the last OFDM symbol is not received by the relay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of resource elements based on their position and availability. Resource elements in the first slot are always used for RS transmission, while resource elements in the second slot are conditionally used - only if the last OFDM symbol is successfully received. This localized differentiation optimizes resource utilization by avoiding overhead in unavailable regions while maintaining estimation accuracy in available regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter of the Reference Signal based on reception availability. When the last OFDM symbol is not received, the system transitions from transmitting RS across both slots to transmitting RS only in the first slot. This parameter change adapts the resource allocation to the actual reception conditions, reducing overhead while maintaining channel estimation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If the Reference Signal is transmitted only in the first slot when the last OFDM symbol is not available, then resource overhead is reduced, but channel estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource overheadVSAvoidchannel estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting the Reference Signal in only one slot (the first slot) when the last OFDM symbol is not available, rather than transmitting in both slots. This partial transmission reduces resource overhead while still providing sufficient channel estimation capability for the available data, accepting a trade-off in estimation precision to achieve resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If data signal is mapped to resource elements in the second slot using orthogonal codes, then resource utilization is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses orthogonal codes as an intermediary mechanism to separate the data signal from potential interference. By mapping the data signal to resource elements in the second slot with orthogonal codes, the system enables resource utilization while the orthogonal properties of the codes provide isolation from interference, allowing simultaneous transmission without excessive harmful interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3370354B1Method and apparatus for transmitting signal via relay backhaul link
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3370354B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3370354B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3370354B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal to a relay at a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method includes mapping a Reference Signal (RS) to a subframe having two slots, and transmitting the subframe to the relay. Each of the slots includes a plurality of consecutive resource elements over which the RS can be spread and the plurality of consecutive resource elements are overlapped with a last Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of the slot. If a last OFDM symbol of the subframe is not available to the relay, the RS is transmitted only in a first slot of the subframe.